Estrada began her career as a student teacher under the guidance of Lupita Lillywhite at Mary L. Welty Elementary School three years ago. She started at Mitchell as a second-grade teacher and this year is teaching third grade. She is also a member of the Mitchell leadership team.

Parra said that Estrada has proven to be an outstanding and dedicated educator right from the start of her service. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in education and is also a member of the NUSD Aspiring Leadership Cohort. This program is a grow-your-own program to provide professional development and intense mentoring to local teachers in the expectation that they will become leaders and perhaps administrators in NUSD.

“She is kind, hardworking, and considers the Mitchell staff to be her family – one who has had confidence in her and has given her confidence in herself,” Parra said.

Estrada said she was very grateful to those who believed in her because she then began to believe in herself.

“I have grown not only as a professional but also as a person,” she added.